I Can’t Stop Wearing These Black Jeans

I saw someone on the Khaite team wearing a pair similar to these, and I asked myself, “Are high-rise jeans making a comeback?” I hunted down this pair (per her suggestion) for my own wardrobe and then emphatically told the ELLE team that I’m calling it: Yes, they are.

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Bartlett, Boone

Quite simply, these are the pair of black jeans that I never stop wearing. The wider leg isn’t too exaggerated, while the wash goes with just about anything—plus, I can dress them up or down. I’ve worn these to the office so much that I convinced one of my colleagues to get a pair.

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Seattle Black Wash, Paris Medium Wash, Sea Salt

There’s nothing like Levi’s. I swear by the brand and recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toe into the denim world without breaking the bank. I love this fit for a slightly baggy look (it’s also the pair that got me into low-rise jeans again). Plus, it’s especially good in this wash.

Sizes: 24-32

Colors: Wish Me Luck

If there were ever a time to get into barrel jeans, it would be now. Of course, not everyone is ready for an extreme barrel, which is where this Madewell pair comes in.

Sizes: 23-33 (Standard, Petite, Tall)

Colors: Olenda Wash, Vintage Canvas, Dobbins Wash, Irmo Wash

Was I a little nervous about sporting a skinny jean after all these years? Maybe. Am I glad I embraced it and have it in my collection? Absolutely.

Sizes: 0-16 (Standard, Tall)

Colors: Black, Grey, Denim Blue, Ecru

J.Lo cosigned the barrel-leg jeans with this under-$100 pair from Free People. And with that, I think you need these. (ELLE’s associate fashion commerce editor, Meg Donohue, and I also own this pair for ourselves, in case you wanted our seal of approval, too.)

Sizes: 24-33 (Regular, Short, Tall)

Colors: 18 options

Petite girls, this is for you. Nelle Atelier’s jeans are designed with the shorter girls in mind. And for those of you 5’4” and under: If you didn’t think you could wear a flood jean, think again.

Sizes: 23-32

Colors: Kohl, Lapis, Pearl

While straight-leg jeans are always among the best denim trends you’ll find, I have a hunch that we’ll be seeing a lot more of this looser straight silhouette in the near future, so grab these and get ahead of the curve.

Sizes: 23-31

Colors: Mercury

When I asked Donohue what black jeans she has in her closet, this was the pair that immediately came to mind. If memory serves me correctly, she’s been raving about these since she got them—and I can see why. They’re a flattering silhouette with a hint of stretch, so they’re as comfy as can be without resembling sweatpants or leggings.

Sizes: 23-33

Colors: 8

I’ve kept different versions of the Ayla in my denim rotation over the years, and I can confidently say that this silhouette will never leave my closet. I love that they’re a little baggy, but they can also still be quite straight, giving them a more put-together feel. This distressed option might not be for the office, but I guarantee you’ll get compliments on them when you’re anywhere else.

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Metropolis

When I want something to feel a little more fitted or sculpting, I opt for these. Style them with a pointed-toe heel, and your legs will look endlessly long—I promise. (Plus, you heard it here first: Boot cuts and flare jeans are making a comeback!)

Sizes: 24-34

Colors: Film Noir

Personally speaking, I love a kick-flare. These are the piece to wear ahead of the warmer days of spring, making them great for your transitional wardrobe. Not to mention, they’re perfect for showing off your latest pair of shoes.

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Not Guilty

I’m a huge fan of Agolde jeans, and these are a cult favorite for a reason. They’re a classic silhouette and they have an ultra-flattering look on the body. I guarantee that you’ll love how these feel when you put them on. (Just be sure to size down!)

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Crushed

So, you want to take the barrel leg to the extreme. I’ve got you. Recommended by our fashion and accessories market director, Alexis Wolfe, Alaïa’s feel like the epitome of chic.

Sizes: 2-14

Colors: Noir Alaia

How do Reformation’s jeans hold up? Pretty well, if you’re asking us. The Etta Jean is great for those who want to make their way back to the world of skinnies, but the nice thing about them is that they’re not too skinny—making them a little more French girl-chic and less…jegging. In other words, you won’t feel like your legs are overexposed in these.

Sizes: 23-34

Colors: Vana, Seneca